RAISING THE MINIMUM WAGE

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With a federal hourly wage of $7.25 per hour working 40 hours a week, a single parent makes $15,080 which is below the poverty threshold. Many economists agree that raising the minimum wage is long overdue and economic research justifies bold minimum wage increases (minimum wage in Illinois is $8.25). It is unacceptable that someone working 40 hours a week cannot make ends meet and live and meet the basic requirements of their family budget. The worker that will benefit the most will be the family breadwinner. Minimum wage is not about money. It is about family and stability. We must understand that most low-wage workers are adults who are disproportionately women and people of color.

 

That is why I call for an increase in minimum wage to $15 dollars to bring out millions of people above the poverty threshold. I am in full support of Raise the Wage Act of 2021, which already looks like a compromise as it gradually increases the wage in increments to $15 by 2025 (H.R. 603).

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